TSX Composite Index Falls to One-Month Low

Market Overview

On March 12, the TSX Composite Index closed at 32,840.60, its lowest level since February 12, with a decline of 0.8% or 279.23 points.

Sector Performance

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• Financials fell 1.4%, with major banks and goeasy Ltd. experiencing declines, the latter's shares tumbling 13.9% after flagging a charge-off of about $178 million and write-downs tied to its LendCare unit.
• Industrials lost 2.1%, while technology declined 1.5%.
• Materials, including metal-mining shares, ended 1.1% lower.
• Energy added 2.1% as U.S. crude oil futures settled 9.7% higher at $95.73 a barrel.

Market Sentiment

The Middle East conflict weighed on investor sentiment, with already heightened inflation fears exacerbating declines in financial and industrial shares.

Year-to-Date Performance

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The TSX Composite Index has advanced 3.6% since the beginning of the year after adding 28.25% in 2025.

Economic Data

• Canada's employment report for February, due on Friday, is expected to show the unemployment rate increasing to 6.6% from 6.5% in January.

Notable Trends

Investors have turned to the resource-rich market for shelter from the turmoil around artificial intelligence, with hopes that the new technology will ultimately boost productivity for some of its biggest names.